Malawi Peace and Unity Commission says grassroots structures in political parties have a critical role in bringing down political tension nationwide.
The commission’s chairperson Mary Nkosi said while there were already several initiatives in place to reduce political violence the political parties’ grassroots hold the key to peaceful coexistence.
The commission has since embarked on a series of roadshows to actively engage the parties’ grassroots to pursue peace and unity for a favourable environment ahead of the September 16 Eeneral Election.
In a telephone interview, Nkosi said: “We held our first of its kind roadshow in Nkhotakota last week to reach out to the grassroots about the commission’s mandate, mission, presence and its peace and unity initiatives.”
The commission’s engagement with the grassroots comes after it already reached out to some leaders, especially of youth and women wings, of various political leaders.
The community outreach, coordinated by Elephant Media Productions, is supported by the Embassy of Ireland and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with government.
Nkosi said although the commission already reached out to some leaders through the Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD), its target is to engage all party presidents on the importance of avoiding violence and maintaining peace before and after elections.
Last week, the commission met President Lazarus Chakwera at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.
Last Thursday, the commission and CMD signed a memorandum of understanding, which aims at promoting peace and unity amongst political parties ahead of the September polls.
Speaking during the event, United Nations resident coordinator Rebecca Adda-Dontoh hailed the efforts being made by commission in fostering peace and unity in all sectors.
She advised Malawians not to take for granted the state of peace the country is currently enjoying.
On his part, CMD chairperson Elias Chakwera described the partnership between the two organs as key in facilitating dialogue amongst political parties and their agents as the country prepares for the elections.
